I'm fairly emotional man. It doesn't take much for me to start tearing up during a moving moment. But aside from obvious trite, like pets being reunited with returing masters, what really gets the water works going is scenes of heroism.

Bravery and courage shown in times of ever increasing peril, and all that jazz. I think that I'm such a schmuck for that sort of thing because I still have that niave desire to, at some point to some degree, be heroic. I think a lot of us do; it's why we play video games and read books and watch movies. We want to identify with the hero and be part of a righteous force that saves the day. Something that Earthbound nails perfectly.

If you've seen the scene, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If not, it's in the ending so I'll try to be descreet, or you can just turn back now. Look it up if you're curious, but really you should just play the game. The way the game sets it up nonchalantly is genius. It seems so insignificant at the time and it is quickly forgotten. The video game world's best brick joke. In a dire moment, when all seems lost, when every resource seems exhausted and it's not enough, what will be the final straw? What will be the final death stroke to the great evil? YOU will be.

It was almost like Itoi knew the exact recipe for pulling my heart strings. To make this moment the most powerful moment in gaming history I've ever experienced. A moment that is still powerful to this day, if not moreso. A moment that blew my ten year old mind, and makes me well up just thinking about it to this day. A moment that tauht me an important lesson: when times are bleak, when pleas for help get absorbed by the darkness, just keep praying.

I grew up with first person shooters. I'm old enough to have had access to Wolfenstein 3D as a young child. I played the shareware version to exhaustion, running alongside the walls while mashing the space bar looking for secrets. But it was Doom, and later Duke Nukem, that really solidified my love for first person shooters. And while I adored the more fantastic settings of demonic and alien invasions, what I loved most about these games were the weapons.

The keystone of a great FPS, in my opinion, is fun weapons. Doom had a few of these. The plasma rifle was always a blast to use when I could spare the sparse ammo. But this is where Duke Nukem excelled. Past the pistol and shotgun, Duke had a wide arsenal of unique weapons that became a standard to which I judged future games.

But, alas, after the golden age of the 90s, first person shooters seemed to become more mundane. As computers became more powerful, the simulation shooter became a genre, stealing market share from my beloved arcade shooter, which was suffering enough from the proliferation of WW2 shooters. Occasionally I would be introduced to something to sate my appetite: Time Splitters, Perfect Dark. But it took a special game to get me excited for a first person shooter.

Metro 2033 is a special game.

Before this game came out, I must admit I was interested. Science fiction themed, spiritual successor to STALKER. All good points. But the second I saw the commercial for this game, peddling that damnable exclusive DLC of a light machine SHOTGUN, I knew this game needed to be part of my life. And it didn't disappoint. Despite still having the regular machine guns, shotguns and pistols, they all had unique designs and almost reinvented each weapon. It was enough to make me abandon my typically stealthy playing style. How the hell hadn't anyone thought of a machine shotgun before? WHY ISN'T IT IN EVERY GAME? Because it ridiculous, that's why. But everything can benefit from being a little bit ridiculous. And what's more ridiculous than belt fed automatic shotguns and silenced revolvers?

(PSST! Did you like this comic? Perhaps consider purchasing a print here! You'll be supporting me and I'll have more incentive to make more comics!)

Hi chums! If you know you want a print, jump down to the bottom and follow the instructions as I ONLY HAVE TWELVE PRINTS. Otherwise, stick around for a story.

So as you may know, I started Printoid several months ago. Hell, they've been DONE for several months. The idea was to support a charity that Niero and a few others were going to be a part of, and that my prints would be sold during a live stream.

However, that never happened and I eventually got around to asking Niero about it. He confirmed that sadly the whole thing never got off the ground, and he told me to just go ahead with the sell. Which left me without a charity.

As I've said before, being the ignorant gamer I am, the first thought is to send it to Child's Play. But that's boring. Which brings me to today. A few days ago, I became aware that another Dtoider, PhilKenSebben, was in a tough spot after after the unfortunate death in his family left him with some steep funeral bills. I can't think of a better beneficiary for a community charity drive than someone from that community.

So here's the deal: 100% of the proceeds will go to help PhilKenSebben with his step-father's burial. Prints will be $30 dollars + $5 shipping (international shipping will be decided for each individual). Seem like a lot? These aren't your typical made by the thousands printed on newsprint kind of posters. I hand printed each one of these on thick art paper using professional ink. SHIT IS MADE TO LAST. Ask Max and Niero how sweet these things look. Maybe we'll both get lucky, my art degree won't end up being a $50000 mistake, I'll become a successful artist and that print will be worth a million dollars some day. Also, it's for charity. So there.

Want one? Here's the rub. I don't have a store front or anything like that, so this is how it's going to work: send an email to meanderbot (at) gmail (dot) com. The first twelve people I hear from can work out payment with me via Paypal or an appropriate analog. Anyone after that will get placed on a waiting list in case someone falls through.

Also, I plan on painting one with watercolors, which will then be put on ebay in the hopes of raising a bit more. That one is still in the works, so stay tuned!

Hey fellas! Just thought I should check in considering recent events. As you may have seen on Farts 'N Crafts a few weeks ago, and in the header image above I suppose, I finished the prints! Right now I have about 14 good ones, with a few I don't feel comfortable selling due to some minor flaws. I plan on making more, but that requires me to not be lazy so we'll see how that goes. Right now I'm still just waiting for the Dtoid charity event to happen. Until then, how about a fancy t-shirt?

Again, as you may have heard Niero, Grimecraft and crew were impressed enough with the image that they decided to put it on a t-shirt! If you were waiting on a print, might I suggest these fancy duds? Each t-shirt comes with a lifetime supply of free hugs when you wear it in my presence at conventions! But you need to hurry! You only have until Thursday at 11 PM PST to order one!

But wait! THERE'S MORE! Do you want a print now? Are you okay with slight imperfections? I'll give one of my flawed prints away to a random person who comments in the specified comment thread below. And if you want to be awesome, maybe, you know, tweet a link to the shirt? Throw in a #printoid perhaps? That would be great. Thanks! read

Hey all! So in the time since my last post, I worked on the image more and came up with something completely different.

I'm leaning toward this image more because it alludes more to the community spirit of Destructoid, of NARPs and con parties in general. A part of Destructoid I've grown rather found of in the past few years. More so than a silly meme (that I am admittedly fond of). Diasgree? TELL ME. Think it's better? TELL ME.

So in addition to sharing this drawing, I again wanted to plead for your input! Since this harkens to the storied history of Dtoid NARPs, I wanted to put out a call for little things to include. It's easy enough to put in empty beer bottles, pizza boxes and sleeping bodies everywhere. Have any references to favorite NARPs or hotel parties? Inside jokes? Dump party things like beer can pyramids? I'd like to hear them! Though keep in mind that the printing process that I'm using keeps me from doing super fine detail, but I'll do what I can. But still I'd love to hear what you have, if only to hear more crazy NARP stories. Thanks! read

If you've been following my very silly, very sporadic exploits in the Cblogs you have probably gathered that I have a bit of an art persuasion. Indeed, I have spent the last twenty years making stupid drawings, and the last several years in art school. Studying printmaking, as a matter of fact. Which brings me to the point of this special blog.

For the past several months, I've been toying with the idea of making a small edition of prints sporting Mr Destructoid, selling them and donating the proceeds to charity, similar to Plushtoid from a few years ago. After learning about a printing process I felt comfortable with, and a little encouragement from a few friends I finally emailed Niero with the idea, and he loved it! Except instead of being a project that I would finish at a more leisurely pace, he asked if I could finish it in a few months for an upcoming charity event. Crap. Well, what's a little more stress?

The Image

I have a sketch of a design that I like, but if you've got a better idea, or something to contribute to my sketch, leave a comment! If I like it, or enough other people like it, I'll use it.

So my first (and only) idea involves Mr Destructoid and, of course, corgis. But not just any corgis. A CORGI ARMY!

And while I liked this image, and a few others did as well, while I was inking this up I thought of a better composition.

Comments? Ideas? Suggestions? Leave a comment!

The Print

The print will be made with a multiple block linocut relief print. Multiple blocks will allow me to do multiple colors, but for simplicities sake, I'm going to stick to two at most (plus the color of the paper, probably white). Here's a picture of a relief print I made earlier this year (click for a high resolution picture):

Except it won't be that big, and hopefully not that detailed (that took FOREVER). Right now I'm thinking something around an 8x10 images (10x12 with borders), but we'll see how things turn out.

The Charity

So, being the myopic gamer that I am, I was going to suggest Child's Play, or Extra Life. But I asked Niero for suggestions, and he indeed had a good one. So I'll leave it for him to announce when the time comes.

So I think that about covers it! I will be reporting in every now and then with news and progress updates. Is this a thing you'd want? Do you have a better idea? Or maybe how my idea could be made better? Please let me know. Some kind words, or even constructive criticism, helps keep me in check and reassure me that I'm not running around chasing my tail and talking to myself. read

Hello faithful reader! It's that time again. What? No, not time for another edition of Because (PHOTO)JOURNALISM. Well, it is that time. But what I meant to say is that it is that time again, where I put off updating this for so long that memories of the days are starting to fade from my memory. Looking at my pictures isn't helping; I've fallen into the habit of only taking pictures at night during the bar scenes. But really, there isn't much to remember. I went to a panel, played a video game, got some free swag, etc etc. The stories of PAX proper are countless and near identical. So let's get to the part where I can actually remember something, once I've stared at the pictures long enough to spark a wispy fragment of a memory. Join me, won't you? As I wander down the rutted and potholed road that is my memory lane, of my third night of PAX. And after that, we see some pretty faces at the Destructoid panel!

Ramminchuck, JJ and Andrew reveling joyously in the glory of the night

Conor being all business and shit

Ben (flintmech) and Beccy chillin' on the lounge's just-above-tolarable chairs

Sam doesn't know either

Addison (Crackity Jones) dons Gobun's hat and does his best Gobun face, a recurring theme throughout the weekend

Darren clearing out his Streetpasses amongst a storm of activity

People gather around to take pictures of Adam sleeping, another recurring theme.

A self-portrait that I disguised as a group photo.

Josh glares through my camera into my very soul. It was cold.

Jacob chats with fellow debauchers

Nicole and David engage in conversation, while a timid Apathy flees from my flash

And that marked the end of the Taphouse. I reluctantly left in order to trudge off to home base to recharge my power cells. The next morning I shook off a hangover in order to make it to the Destructoid panel.

On the way I ran into a vibrant and well dressed Mr. Destructoid

There was quite a turnout!

A placid Mr.D watches on as its subjects gather in

Sam shares some dick pics with Spencer before the panel begins

Niero shares a childhood picture. Not much has changed.

The full panel crew above their sea of admirers

Conrad lying down the truth

My annual attempt at a group photo. Keeping in tradition, I mucked it up.

Mr. Destructoid again finds himself in front of my camera, for not the last time

And finally, I have an awful picture of David and Jack together as they bid their friends adieu. I found out a bit too late, or rather was too overcome with social anxiety, to ask for a proper portrait. Next year!

And that's it for now, but what comes next is the grand ball of Destructoid's PAX. Kareokee night, in which also took place a live Podtoid, and a whole bunch of love. I literally took hundreds of pictures, so prepare for a bit of a wait and one loooooong blog. See you then. read

(This is a series of my adventures with the Destructoid community at PAX Prime 2013. Part one can be found here)

After the wildness of the first night, I woke up the next night with a horrible hangover. For whatever reason, I decided it would be wise to wake up early, wait outside in the cold in line for the keynote and listen to Pete Molyneux yap at me. And then I did some things. Can't really remember anything in particular from the day. Probably played some awesome indie games. Probably played some arcade games. Probably was awkward in front of somebody. Anyways, eventually night came and I sauntered over to the Elephant and Castle for some lighthearted debauchery with my fellow debauchers.

Before we get to the pictures though, a small story. At the beginning of the night, while I was vying for the attention of the bartender, a couple of people I've never seen before saw the Destructoid sticker on my camera and asked where the gathering was. I pointed them in the right direction, and had a small realization: I used to be like them. Sheepishly entering and being unsure about where the party might be, rather than entering somewhat confidently and heading to greet you lovely peoples. Makes me feel good to know I've grown more comfortable over the years, and feeling like I'm part of the community.

One more thing. I've had a world of trouble trying to correct the white balance, so I'm just going to make them grayscale. So when you see that, NOW YOU KNOW

Hamza is the CEO of Ruining Candid Photos

There, that's better

Andrew (powerglove) with his trademark smile

Adam gets comfortable with Conor

Law of Thermodynamics sees something horrible behind him. Which was probably me.

The night starts to wind down and people begin to return to their hotels in order to save their progress. I corral them together for a quick group shot. Those I can name are Josh, Beccy, Conor, Ben (flintmech), Darik and JJMcCallum.

Darik, Alissa, Adam and Apathy idling outside.

Always the gracious host, Josh offered to let those not ready to go to bed yet to come over to his apartment. I was among the lucky few. Here he embraces Beccy as the ride gets sorted out.

Before going to Josh's, we stop by a burger shop called Dick's. Here Beccy groans as Josh makes the 42[sup]nd[/sup] “Bag of Dick's” joke.

Alissa reacts to something Conor said while Apathy lives up to his namesake.

Shortly before leaving Dick's, we realize that Scotty G is no longer with us. After arriving to Dicks with us, he disappeared, without notice. We manically search around the immediate block and make panicked phone calls in vain. Defeated, we reluctantly made our way to Josh's house. He eventually resurfaced the next day, in good health but unfortunately he lost his bag containing his 3DS and a beloved Yoshi doll. I feel partially responsible, as I started a drinking game in which he drink a few more beers when he probably should not have. Sorry Scotty :(

Anyways, on a lighter note, on the sullen walk to Josh's, I finally get a proper introduction to Conor, who proceeds to tell me he likes my pictures and that my TLR reminds him of a derringer, which is possibly the greatest thing anyone has ever said to me.

Nicole and Conor (I think) enjoy the view

And the night ends with some tourist ass pictures. It had to be done.

And that was the end of the night! After enjoying one last night drink, we left Casa de Josh and made our way back to home base. I crumbled into bed, and prayed to the Boozed Gods to spare me from another hangover, which I'm pretty sure they ignored. In the next installment of Because PHOTOJOURNALISM, we take a quick look at our adventure at the Taphouse! read

(This is a series of my adventures with the Destructoid community at PAX Prime 2013. Here is part two)

It's that time of year again. That time of year where I look back at the most fun I have all year and I cry. I cry because the next occurrence of it is so far away. I cry because my next chance to be a part of this amazing event is already in doubt. I cry because I am reminded of all the awesome people I only see every few hundred days. I cry because I am reminded of the awesome times that I failed to take pictures of. I cry because I'm reminded of all the money I spent and how I could have more responsibly spent it. But mostly it's the third part. I've made this point before, and I'll probably make it again: it's all about the people.

Sometimes I reflect back into my first PAX, when I was completely on my own. Being able to meander about and do what I want has its own appeal. One of the things I do miss is going to the concerts every night. Or walking through the dubious Seattle streets at night to pick up some beer, and unwind from the wild events of the day in my shitty hotel room in front of my shitty hotel TV. But the sort of adventures one can have by oneself, while liberating, is a kind of sufficating comfort. And let's face it, being alone makes for some boring pictures. And tagging along with others contains an exciting and terrifying unknown quality.that you just don't get wandering alone, where one tends to stay within a comfort zone (or at least I do).

But ultimately I am extremely pleased with what my PAX experience has become. I can drink beer in front of a TV alone all year (and I do), and as much fun as the concerts are, all of the lovely Destructoid people are more than happy to selflessly enrich my life far more than enjoying loud pounding music with strangers. Plus it gives me with an opportunity to run around with a camera, and for some reason or another people seem to appreciate it. So, here we are again. I've written some words and taken some pictures and regurgitated them here for a few select mutants to enjoy. Because taking a lot of pictures recording valuable memories and not sharing them is, while humorous on a certain level, is also cruel and ultimately pointless, especially when you exhaust yourself while crawling around on a beer soaked floor taking pictures only to not pass around the results.

ANYWAYS, those few who are familiar with my routine may notice something different: I've broken this up into parts, in an effort to get this out before the end of the year, and because I took a ridiculous amount of pictures. Relax, there won't be this much written dreck to read each time; merely a link back to this page for those who don't have enough displeasure in their life. So let's get this show on the road before I start another paragraph. Today I will cover the pre-PAX anxiety including the traditional meetup at Gameworks, where we gather around and pretend that video games are more interesting than booze.

I start off the way I wish I could start off every night: with a healthy helping of McCallum and Apathy

During the meetup Becky and Conor recorded a live episode of Communitoid. They interviewed a bunch of progressively more inebriated people. Except for me, of course. I was too busy running around taking pictures :/ It's still an interesting show. You should check it out if you haven't yet.

Here I interrupt David (Hei), Jack (Shadow) and Sam (Mr Gobbledigook) in the middle of enjoying each other

Nero climbed on top of a chair and thanked everyone for coming and made a short but sweet address. If I had a dozen roses I probably would've thrown it at his feet.

Unlike last year, the party took place on a small balcony rather than on the ground floor near an entrance. Also unlike last year, CTZ and the crew were handing out drink tickets. Needless to say, it got pretty fucking crowded.

It's pretty difficult to take a picture of Jesse and make him look bad. I managed it though.

Alyssa and Scott look at Nicole with bemusement as she realizes that there are free drinks.

Did I mention it was crowded?

Darren (Dexter 345) ruins my candid picture during a conversation with CyricZ. I had my first conversation with CyricZ, after silently passing by him at previous PAXes. I can't remember a damn thing about the conversation, but it was nice to finally meet him.

JJMcCallum and Dyganth discuss their plans for inciting madness and confusion.

Andrew (Powerglove) and Andy (Dixon) reconnect over a flagon of cow blood.

I sneak a quick portrait of Andy before he scolds me because I stopped shining his shoes.

“Hey Apathy, did I ever tell you that you're my favorite?”

“Hey Andy, did I ever tell you that you're my favorite?”

Beccy and Eric (MuddBastard) engage in a debate of grass vs astroturf

Eric and Someone Who's Name I Should Probably Know pose for the camera while Sam checks out DAT ASS

Scott smiles while Sam... does something in my direction.

Jacob (Guygamer) nurtures Sam like the frail little bird that he is.

It's amazing that this picture is as clear as it is. By this point I was exceptionally drunk, but somehow still cognizant. Couldn't speak worth a damn though. Before I headed over to my hotel I had to find Darren whom I shared a room with. But it was a shitty hotel, so I had the only key and needed to make sure he got into the room. I somehow managed to find him (or rather he found me, more likely) and we headed over to the hotel while I slurred incomprehensibly at him. We made it back to home base where we passed out and I woke up the next morning to a vibrant hangover, which would become a pattern over the weekend. Curious what happens next? Tune in next time to BECAUSE (PHOTO)JOURNALISM, which hopefully will be up sooner than the next two months! read

As I have been known to go on for at length, I go to PAX a lot. And I enjoy myself. A lot. But as I wondered through the exhibit hall for the third year in a row, everything was beginning to feel a bit too familiar. What was once a great adventure was dangerously close to becoming routine. And as I spent precious time with the lovely cherubs that is the Destructoid community, I heard whispered echoes of a magical place. Like a garbled message heard in a fever dream.

“...MAGfest...”

“...come to MAGfest...”

Despite the consensual stories of unrelenting joy and golden memories, I balked at these claims. And better than PAX? Madness. But despite my skepticism, and dwindling finances, I decided to make the trip. My wanderlust would not allow me to do otherwise. And although my credit card still aches like an old wound, I can describe my decision to go as the polar opposite of regret. My enjoyment of the trip could not be overstated, and I continued my streak of actually talking to and meeting people instead of cowering under a sheath of social anxiety. Naturally I was armed with my faithful cameras to record the insanity. And even though my bank statement paints a bleak outlook, I will do everything in my power to go again.

So those in the know are aware that this post is late. By about six months. And with cruel time combined with my supernatural ability to be terrible with names, I have forgotten the name of some people who made my time there much more enjoyable. So just know that I have not forgotten you, just your name. If I ever see you again I assure you, you will be greeted with the utmost warmth. Also, some of the details have become foggy, so I will share what I can and try not to be too obnoxious about it.

After a long flight and an infuriating shuttle ride, I finally arrive at the hotel and quickly run into Cataract whom I am glad to say still gives awesome hugs. After checking in with the hotel and the Destructoid group, I settle down and receive an invitation from Changston to accompany him on a mission to pickup Glitchy from the airport. What resulted was a comedy of errors as we desperately tried to navigate our way through Virginia's bastardization of a highway system before our phones die. Against all odds, we managed to get to the airport and ferry Glitchy to the hotel. Though the ride was a good time, it meant that I missed out on Mega Ran's show. However, I did manage to catch The Megas's Show, which was awesome AND also featured a cameo from Mega Ran. A nice compromise.

The first act I catch the next day is Danimal Cannon. One of the few acts I had some familiarity with. Awesome chiptunes along with a rocking electric guitar. If you haven't heard Roots yet, I highly recommend it.

Next up was Crashfaster. Had some good tunes, although the main vocalist used some crazy voice effect that I wasn't quite a fan of. But I was bobbing rhythmically to it, so I guess I can't complain too much.

Afterwards I made my way for the Destructoid panel, where I ran around taking pictures and being reminded of how limited my knowledge of video game music is.

What's a Meanderbot appearance at a community event without a terribly taken group photo?

After a few other bands, I returned to my room to find that a party had formed there. All the more eager to be part, I quickly downed several beers and wielded my camera.

Changston doing what he does best: shaking his ass

I think this is my favorite picture of the weekend, a cheerful Apathy embracing an equally cheerful or greater than cheerful Changston

An emphatic man demonstrates something to Glitchy and Dyganth

One of the few pictures I have of the lovely Julius. Despite being nervous of hosting someone I hadn't ever heard of, he ended up being nothing but a joy. He even saved my ass by driving me back to the bar we just left because I left my camera there. Oops.

Here we have a picture of MYSTERY MAN, Aaron Mxy Yost, Changston and OTHER MYSTERY MAN. Aaron is a lovely human being. One of the few people to recognize my screen name. Pity I didn't get to know him better.

A wide group shot. There are a lot of these, because I'm too scared to get up close to people. On the left, pointing out a stain on my shirt is N7. Is it getting redundant to say he was a lovely person? Pretty much everyone was. This includes his younger brother, whose name I cannot recall but nonetheless enjoyed his company.

Tino: “How you doing down there?”

???:“Well actually-”

Apathy: GLUG GLUG GL

Tino: “Ok buddy, sounds good!”

???: “MmrrmmMphhh”

Apathy: UG GLUG GLUG

Dyganth: “I'm gonna allow it.”

And here we have this iconic picture. This picture is particularly frustrating for me. I'm just out of frame on the right. That's my right arm merging under Dyganth's left armpit. Normally I can deal with not being in pictures. But that's usually because I'm the one taking them. Somebody took this picture. But it was with my camera. I guess I'll just have to settle with that.

Later that night was the performance I was looking forward to the most: The Protomen. I've been to a few of their concerts before and I can say without hesitation that their shows are the most fun I have ever had in my (admittedly limited) history of music shows. Though I will say seeing them in a big venue like the MAGfest main stage is absolutely nothing compared to them performing on a bar stage. Now before this becomes a blog about the Protomen show (which it very nearly did) I just get these numerous pictures out of the way and move on before my enthusiasm becomes insurmountable.

The Gambler

FUCK YEAH KILROY

The Gambler, Murphy Weller and Reanimator

Raul Panther III telling it like it

Ringo Segundo

Turbo Lover steps out

A group of people were lucky enough to get a suite, and kind enough to invite us in (briefly)

The view was AMAZING

Aaron slings some wisdom

Afterwards we moved on to somebody's ajoined room, which was pratically filled with people including the lovely Dale North and Niero Gonzalez! Niero pulled out his phone and recorded a video of the room chanting, “HAMZA HAMZA HAMZA” in an attempt to shame him into making it to MAGfest next year.

After consuming several drinks, and not talking to anyone, I get a bit bored and meander off (as I am oft to do) to the main theater where I find that DJ Cutman is playing. I announce on the Groupme chat that I wandered to the main theater, and find to my surprise that Changston and Mark are already there. I quickly locate them and, thanks to my rapidly fading sobriety, proceed to enjoy carelessly dancing for possibly the first time in my life. Seriously, I cannot ever hope to describe how much I enjoyed myself at that moment. I best I could do was capture a few inadequate pictures.

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I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS IS ALL LUMPED TOGETHER AND LOOKS DUMB BUT IT'S 2 AM AND I DON'T REALLY CARE ANYMORE

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And that's pretty much it as far as pictures go! I was tempted to spend several paragraphs going through all the stories I had that had no pictures, so I guess I plow through them now: Adam Dork talking to me, being awesome and giving me a hug, even though I'm pretty sure we never introduced ourselves to each other; Glitchy, Apathy and Julius for being awesome roommates; Julius leaving two bottles of wine for me, Apathy and Glitchy to enjoy; that time where I ordered an IPA and then everyone else got the same thing (I don't know, this made me feel cool for some reason); eating Pot Belly for the first time (there's one opening by my house OMGOMGOMG); Julius for driving my dumbass back to a bar where I left my camera; the amazing karaoke performance of “Always” the Dtoid crew performed at said bar; Julius leaving two bottles of wine for me, Apathy and Glitchy to enjoy; Apathy breaking one of my pencils about half a second before I tell him to be careful and not break my pencil, and yelling at him even though it was my idea; being able to enjoy a REAL ARCADE for the first time in years; a bunch of amazing music I didn't take pictures of and a bunch of other stuff I was either too drunk to remember or just plan forgot. Thanks to everyone I met that made my time there better. I absolutely cannot wait to go again. What's that? Is it better than PAX? Well, you see, that's a complicated question and – HOLY CRAP WHAT'S THAT BEHIND YOU?!

I've been fortunate/spoiled enough to have been able to play video games since I was young. And being of that age where one begins to notice girls for the first time, I spent a lot of time fantasizing about various female protagonists. It might have been because I could naturally project myself onto the heroes of the games I played, or the fact that I was very shy and didn't talk to very many girls. But either way, I have a long list of names of imaginary characters I lusted after. But by far, the most prominent one was Marin from Link's Awakening.

I couldn't tell you exactly why, or at least narrow it down to one reason. It could've been because Marin was the first major female character in a TLoZ game; it could've been because I sympathized with her sad and tragic story; it could've been because she had the hots for Link, and I spent a lot of time pretending to be him; or it could've been because I dig red heads. But all I can say for sure is that every time I hear the Ballad of the Wind Fish, to this day, I instantly become somber, my eyes water up just a bit, and I think of Marin.

I had this all planned out. Winter theme huh? Easy. Do something that takes place in Winters from Earthbound, be a smartass and call it Winter:Winters. Done. Next thing I know, the first idea for a comic of the gang screwing around, throwing snowballs and making snow Mr. Saturns is going nowhere and what's that? It's the 31st? Crap. So I decided to scale down and just isolate it to a single scene, and actually do something from the game. I somehow stumbled onto an idea that I really like while sketching idly during class, and once I get home from work I knock out a quick pencil drawing while silently cursing myself for not allowing myself time to ink. The result is what you see above.

So about this scene. I've always been rather fond of it, despite it being very short. Tessie is awesome, and I always wish he/she/it played a bigger part in the game. I would've loved to see him/her/it pop up during the Kraken battle and whoop some ass. I really like the music too, starts off nice and relaxing, while building into a triumphant crescendo before fading away, like the enigmatic Tessie slinking away into the ocean. Also, a monkey that floats around by blowing bubble gum bubbles? FUCK. YES. read

About MeanderBotOne of us since 8:05 PM on 04.08.2010

Hi there! I'm MeanderBot. I enjoy video games. My video game playing history begins like many others: I was lucky enough to have an early computer to play games on, someone across the street got an NES, then I stumbled across a used stack of Nintendo Power at a swap meet, and soon enough I was spending more time with a controller in my hand then lying in my bed.

Aside from that, I am a visual artist desperately trying to be successful. I consider myself to be the visual art equivalent of a bard. Won't you tell me your tales of whimsy so I may illustrate and add them to the annals of time?